System and method for automated layout of buildings

Abstract

Starting from a set of plans, such as, without limitation, blueprints, drawings, or Autocad® files, a system and method for calibrating such plans and transferring such plans into a computer readable file and loading a specially designed electronic version of such plans into a hardware based system that locates, adjusts, transfers, and prints, to a desired scale, a lasting image of said construction plans drawn onto a building surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system for printing out a lasting image of construction plans on a building surface at a construction site comprising:
 a computing device having wireless connectivity and running an application program, wherein a copy of a set of said construction plans containing reference points for construction corners are calibrated and converted into an electronic version of a computer readable file in said computing device; 
 at least one laser-based receiver/transmitter wirelessly connected to said computing device and under control of said application program, wherein said at least one laser-based receiver/transmitter to identify and locate said reference points on said building surface; 
 at least one auto locator wirelessly connected to said computing device and under the control of said application program, said at least one auto locator is on free standing or incorporated on top of said at least one laser-based receiver/transmitter; and 
 at least one mobile robotic printer wirelessly connected to said computing device and under control of said application program, said at least mobile robotic printer is positioned and in movement in said construction site; 
 wherein said at least one auto locator is capable to work independently or work within said system in conjunction with said at least one laser-based receiver/transmitter and said at least one mobile robotic printer, said at least one auto locator is constructed for full movement in horizontal and vertical directions relative to said construction surface, and said at least one auto locator locates hazardous elements for said at least one mobile robotic printer while in moving around certain areas in said construction site during construction; and 
 wherein said at least one laser-based receiver/transmitter locates at least one corner reference on said building surface and said at least one mobile robotic printer prints out said lasting image of said construction plans on said building surface at said construction site. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 
 wherein said at least one laser-based receiver/transmitter locates at least one corner reference on said building surface, and said at least one auto locator locates elements identified as hazards for avoidance while said at least one mobile robotic printers moving in said construction site, and said at least one mobile robotic printer prints out said lasting image of said construction plans on said building surface at said construction site. 
 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 2  in which said hazards are selected from the group consisting of: pipes protruding from said building surface; temporary holes in said building surface; bolts protruding from said building surface; protrusions of structural materials; protrusions of scaffolding; and stairwells.